If you’re looking for a restaurant in Bay City, Michigan, that offers more than your typical bar food, Prost! is worth checking out. Located in Uptown Bay City near the river, Prost! is a wine bar and restaurant known for its wine selection, charcuterie, and inviting atmosphere. They also have a second location in Frankenmuth.
I’ve visited the Bay City location several times during my time in the area, and each visit has been a positive experience. While Prost! is known for its wine and charcuterie, I’ve always found myself drawn to their entrees. The menu has several options that have caught my attention, and I’ve appreciated that the staff has been willing to answer my questions about eating gluten-free.
One of the things that makes Prost! particularly interesting for those following a gluten-free diet is the care they seem to put into accommodating dietary restrictions. I was told that one of the owners has Celiac Disease and follows a gluten-free diet themselves. While I didn’t see this specifically advertised, it may help explain why there are several thoughtful gluten-free accommodations available.
Environment
Prost! is located in Uptown Bay City, close to the river, making it a nice option if you’re spending time exploring the area. The restaurant has a great patio that is especially enjoyable when the weather cooperates. There is also plenty of indoor seating, making it a comfortable choice when temperatures start to drop.
The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between casual and a little more elevated. You can stop in for a drink and charcuterie, or settle in for a full meal. I particularly like that the menu feels like it offers something beyond what you might expect from a traditional wine bar.
During my visits, the servers have also been helpful when I’ve had questions about gluten-free options and preparation. Being able to comfortably ask questions and get thoughtful answers makes a big difference when dining out with Celiac Disease.
Food
I’ve enjoyed trying several different dishes at Prost!, and I’ve been impressed by the variety of gluten-free options available.
I started my first visit with one of their monthly specialty cocktails, the Sippin’ on Sunshine. It was refreshing and fun and perfect for summer.
For my entree, I ordered the pesto and prosciutto rigatoni. This was one of the dishes that initially caught my attention on the menu, and I was happy with my choice. The portion was generous, and the pasta had great flavor. I had never had crispy prosciutto before, though, and surprisingly didn’t love the texture. That’s definitely more of a personal preference than a reflection of the dish itself, and overall I still enjoyed the meal.
My friend and I also shared the gluten-free raspberry chocolate torte for dessert. We were both a little underwhelmed by this one, but I’m still glad we gave it a try. Sometimes you have to try something for yourself to know whether it’s going to be a favorite!
On a later visit, that same friend and I decided to share the gluten-free bruschetta. This was a highlight for me. The gluten-free baguette was nice and crispy on the outside while still having a good texture, and the bruschetta topping was delicious. It was a simple dish, but one that I would happily order again.
For my entree that visit, I chose the smash burger, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I paired it with the parmesan fries, and the combination made for a very satisfying meal.
Beyond the food I’ve personally tried, I was particularly impressed by the gluten-free accommodations Prost! offers. I was told that their fryer is dedicated gluten-free, which is a big plus for anyone with Celiac Disease. They also have gluten-free pasta available, and I was told that it is cooked in separate pasta water.
Of course, restaurant procedures can change, so I always recommend confirming current preparation practices with your server when dining with Celiac Disease. But based on my experiences, I felt comfortable asking questions and appreciated the effort that went into accommodating a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts on Gluten Free at Prost!
Overall, I’ve really enjoyed my gluten-free dining experiences at Prost! in Bay City. I’ve visited multiple times and have had positive experiences with both the food and the staff.
What stands out most to me is the thoughtfulness around gluten-free dining. Having a dedicated gluten-free fryer and preparing gluten-free pasta in separate pasta water gives customers with Celiac Disease more options than they might expect from a wine bar. The fact that I was able to ask questions and receive helpful answers from the staff also made me feel more comfortable dining there.
If you’re in Bay City or Frankenmuth and looking for a restaurant with a nice atmosphere, a good variety of food, and gluten-free accommodations, I’d recommend giving Prost! a try. Whether you’re stopping in for a glass of wine and some charcuterie or sitting down for a full meal, it has been a restaurant I’ve been happy to return to during my time in Bay City.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this blog are based on my personal experiences with restaurants offering gluten-free options. While I aim to provide accurate and helpful information, I cannot guarantee that the gluten-free options at these establishments will meet everyone’s needs or expectations. Cross-contact and ingredient changes are always a possibility.
Please exercise your own judgment and diligence when dining out, particularly if you have Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity. I am not liable for any adverse effects that may occur from consuming food at any of the restaurants mentioned in this blog. Always confirm with the restaurant staff to ensure your meal meets your specific dietary requirements.
Your safety is your responsibility—eat smart and stay gluten-free!
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Find more gluten-free resources, restaurant reviews, and tips here.
